Paddling season!

I know for some, paddling season never ends.  It's not that I'm opposed to paddling in the frigid temperatures, keep in mind, I'm typically hunting in the frigid temperatures all winter, but I'm not prepared for frigid water.  I don't have a dry suit, which is really what I need.  So, with this in mind, the warmer temps Saturday meant that I wanted to get back into the paddling so I headed out to the Passaic River for a nice leisurely paddle.  Still not feeling wonderful I decided to take a short trip from Columbia Tpk in Florham Park and head up stream.  I managed to shove off without getting wet, only muddy.  Very shortly afterwards I came to my first downed tree.  I portaged around, getting very muddy and back in.  It was a quiet paddle upstream.  I didn't go quickly and just enjoyed being out.  After about 2 or so miles I came to another strainer that was blocking my way.  This time it didn't look very easy to get around.  I was feeling tired anyway, from being sick, so I just pulled over to the bank and just hung out for a little, enjoying being there.  I turned around and poked my way back downstream.  While I was on my way I came upon three huge raccoons.  When I first got there, one was on the ground and two in the tree top.  The one on the ground ran up the tree and they all proceeded to fight.  It was a cool sight to witness.  I left there and returned to the put in.  I went around 4 1/2 miles and took my time.  It was a very nice afternoon to be out.  I also think I found ever duck in NJ...  The river and little ponds along the way were littered with ducks.